Preliminary results of SPIRAL-2 thermo mechanical neutron converter characteristics

A preliminary design of a neutron converter module (NCM) for SPIRAL 2 Project is presented, main characteristics are given. Neutrons, produced by bombarding a carbon converter with a 40 MeV deuteron beam, 5 mA current for power up to 200 kW, induce fission reactions in target. The neutron converter, a high speed rotating wheel, operates at the temperature range between 1650-1850 °C. Vacuum restrictions and material radiation degradation, as well as a continuous three month operation were considered into structural analysis employing the ANSYS software. Preliminary tests indicate that the assembly withstands operating conditions under a vacuum up to 10−4 mbar, temperature up to 350°C, lack of lubricant and a radiation dose rate around 105 Gy/h. The results of thermomechanical simulations, considering temperature gradients, deformation and equivalent stress are presented.